Transportation Committee

Minutes

Meeting #:

4

Date:

Monday, April 17, 2023

Time:

9:30 A.m. - 5:30 P.m.

Location:

Champlain Room, 110 Laurier Avenue West, and by electronic participation

Present:

• Chair: Councillor Tim Tierney, 
• Vice-Chair: Councillor Catherine Kitts, 
• Councillor Jessica Bradley, 
• Councillor George Darouze, 
• Councillor Sean Devine, 
• Councillor Laura Dudas, 
• Councillor Glen Gower, 
• Councillor Laine Johnson, 
• Councillor Wilson Lo, 
• Councillor Matt Luloff, 
• and Councillor Ariel Troster 

Absent:

• Councillor Steve Desroches 

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1.

Notices and meeting information for meeting participants and the public

Notices and meeting information are attached to the agenda and minutes, including: availability of simultaneous interpretation and accessibility accommodations; in camera meeting procedures; information items not subject to discussion; personal information disclaimer for correspondents and public speakers; notices regarding minutes; and remote participation details.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available, upon request.

Except where otherwise indicated, reports requiring Council consideration will be presented to Council on April 26, 2023 in Transportation Committee Report 4.

The deadline to register by phone to speak, or submit written comments or visual presentations is 4 pm on Friday, April 14, and the deadline to register to speak by email is 8:30 am on Monday, April 17.

2.

Declarations of Interest

3.

Responses to Inquiries

3.1

TRC 04-17 - Interprovincial Trucks

Direction to staff (Councillor S. Plante)

That Staff and the Ward 12 Councillor will ask that the National Capital Commission looks at the impacts of the future crossing project as part of their interprovincial crossing project.

4.

Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development Department

4.1

Transportation Master Plan Update - Part 1

File No. ACS2023-PRE-TP-0001 - Citywide 

At the outset, Ms Vivi Chi, Director, Transportation Planning, Planning, Real Estate and Economic Development (PRED) Department, introduced Ms. Jennifer Armstrong, Program Manager, Transportation Policy and Networks, PRED, Ms Deborah Lightman, Senior Project Manager, Transportation Policy and Networks, PRED, and Mr. Zlatko Krstulich, Program Manager, Active Transportation Planning, PRED.  Each, in turn, spoke to a highly detailed slide presentation overview of the report, described as a culmination of two years’-worth of consultation with the public, with Ward Councillors and with various external government agencies.  A copy of this presentation is held on file with the Office of the City Clerk.

Vice Chair Kitts then moved Motion N^O TRC 2023 04-01 to correct a number of technical anomalies related to the report’s supporting documentation.

The Committee then heard from the following public delegations:

1. Ken Holmes⁺ and Ms Susan Kuruvilla, Ambassadors Working Group
2. Neil Saravanamuttoo
3. Julien Lamarche⁺
4. William van Geest, Program Coordinator, Ecology Ottawa
5. Ms Cassie Smith^+, School Streets Ottawa
6. Patrick Munro^#
7. Alex Cullen, Federation of Citizens’ Associations
8. John Verbaas
9. Ms Alayne McGregor
10. Paul Johanis
11. Chris Greenshields, Interim President, Vanier Community Association
12. Ms Miranda Gray

Correspondence was also received from the following, as noted:

1. Jason Burggraaf*, Greater Ottawa Home Builders’ Assoc
2. Michael Trudeau*, Chair, Interprovincial Crossings Committee, Manor Park Community Association (additional signatories – Ms. Natalie Belovic, President, MPCA and Mr. John Forsey, Chair, Transportation Committee, MPCA)
3. Michel Haddad*
4. Robert Brinker*^Ϯ, President, Federation of Citizens Associations (FCA)                     

[ ⁺ Slide presentations / visuals / ^#videos held on file with the Office of the City Clerk.]

[ * Individuals / groups marked with an asterisk above either provided comments in writing or by e-mail; all submissions and presentations are held on file with the Office of the City Clerk. ]

[  ^Ϯ Received post-meeting ]

At the conclusion of the receipt of public delegations, Councillor Johnson introduced Motions N^O TRC 2023 04-02, N^O TRC 2023 04-03, N^O TRC 2023 04-04, and N^O TRC 2023 04-05 on behalf of Councillor Kavanagh.

Councillor Darouze also introduced Motion N^O TRC 2023 04-06.

The following Directions to Staff were also given by the Transportation Committee:

Direction to Staff (S. Plante)

That Staff and the Ward 12 Councillor will ask that the National Capital Commission looks at the impacts of the future crossing project as part of their interprovincial crossing project.

Direction to Staff (L. Dudas)

That City staff be directed, as part of public consultations for TMP Part Two, to provide clear information outlining all projects that are being considered as part of the TMP. This summary should include relevant information to the project status, such as the project stage, funding status, etc.

Upon the conclusion of questions to the delegations and to staff, and with Committee discussions also having been concluded, the Committee voted upon the above referenced Motions.

The report recommendations were then put before the Committee and were ‘CARRIED’, as amended by Motions N^OS TRC 2023 04-02, 04-03, 04-04, 04-05 and 04-06.

• Report recommendations

  That the Transportation Committee recommend Council:

  1. Approve the Transportation Master Plan Policies as attached in Document 1 and as described in this report;
  2. Direct staff to advance the actions identified in Document 1 through the mechanisms described in this report;
  3. Approve the Active Transportation Projects as identified in Document 3;
  4. Approve the use of the Transit and Road Project Prioritization Frameworks described in Document 4 for prioritization of projects in the Transportation Master Plan Capital Infrastructure Plan;
  5. Approve the Updated Rural Active Transportation Network and Cross-Town Bikeways Network as attached in Document 5.
  Carried

  With dissents from Councillor M. Luloff and Councillor C. Kitts. 

  
  
• Moved by C. Kitts

  WHEREAS with respect to report ACS2023-PRE-TP-0001 entitled Transportation Master Plan Update - Part 1, supporting Document 4 has been corrected to address the missing text on page 13 (Annex B);

  WHEREAS the incorrect final version of supporting Document 5 was uploaded as part of the public release of the aforementioned report;

  WHEREAS the following revisions are being made within supporting Document 3 and, where applicable, Document 5:

  1. ward numbers have been updated for numerous projects where required; and
  2. the Trim Road Bridge has been added as a Cycling Project feasibility study (formerly shown as an ‘In Process’ facility); and
  3. the limits to the Moodie Drive Cycling Project have been extended; and

  WHEREAS the revised supporting Documents 3, 4 and 5 have no impact on the staff recommendations of the staff report;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the Transportation Committee approve that the supporting Documents 3, 4 and 5 of the report ACS2023-PRE-TP-0001 entitled Transportation Master Plan Update - Part 1 be replaced with the revised attached Documents 3, 4, and 5 to correct some minor errors, and direct the Committee Coordinator to include the corrected documents when the report rises to City Council. 

  Carried
• Motion No. TRC 2023 04-02
  Moved by L. Johnson

  Submitted by Councillor L. Johnson on behalf of Councillor T. Kavanagh 

  WHEREAS the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) policy 8-5: Expand the Catchment of Rapid Transit Through Improved Walking and Cycling Connections to Stations is meant to provide comfortable access to stations by foot or bike in less than 10 minutes with low stress routes; and

  WHEREAS the TMP policy 6-2 “Improve and expand the pedestrian network” states sidewalks are critical to pedestrian comfort, safety, and accessibility; and

  WHEREAS the City of Ottawa has invested billions of dollars in an LRT line and expansion; and

  WHEREAS access and connectivity to LRT stations is considered paramount to encourage multimodal trips based on sustainable transportation; and

  WHEREAS the TMP states "New active transportation shortcuts and infrastructure upgrades will be identified and pursued to increase the number of destinations reachable by walking and cycling from rapid transit stations;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT the following language be added to the policy 8-5 “Expand the Catchment of Rapid Transit Through Improved Walking Cycling Connections to Stations.” There shall be a designated walk route to LRT stations including sidewalks on at least one side of local streets, and on both sides of the street for arterials, major collectors, and collectors.

  Carried

  With dissent from Councillor W. Lo.

  
  
• Moved by L. Johnson

  Submitted by Conseillére L. Johnson on behalf of T. Kavanagh 

  WHEREAS the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) outlines priority equity neighbourhoods in Annex A; and

  WHEREAS the TMP Policy 2-4 "Accelerate Investments That Benefit Priority Neighbourhoods" states "The TMP will pursue a more equitable transportation system and combat 'mobility poverty' through investment in streets, sidewalks, the public realm, and other transportation improvements in the neighbourhoods with strong equity concerns”; and

  WHEREAS the TMP Policy 7-1 prioritizes the creation of safe comfortable direct connected routes; and

  WHEREAS the TMP priority equity neighbourhhoods are flagged in the Official Plan objective for 15-minute neighbourhoods; and

  WHEREAS residents in priority neighbourhoods are less likely to own and drive cars and rely on transit, walking, and biking to reach their destinations; and

  WHEREAS Carling Ave is a high-volume road with many amenities that residents require safe access to reach; and

  WHEREAS Carling Ave is specifically mentioned in the TMP as a high-volume road that that “creates barriers to walkability and bikeability”; and

  WHEREAS Carling Ave is a major arterial connecting many priority neighbourhoods, including Bayshore, Britannia Woods, Michele Heights, Eva Taylor Court, Winthrop Court, and Regina Towers, to amenities; and

  WHEREAS Carling Ave is designated to be a major transit priority corridor, and as such will need separated bicycle lanes to ensure the safety of people on bicycles; and

  WHEREAS Carling Ave’s reconstruction to ultimately include segregated cycling facilities will likely be implemented in phases due to its significant length, different land use context, varying redevelopment opportunities along the corridor, and that interim measures for cycling improvements could be part of the toolbox;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT consideration be given to prioritizing active transportation improvements for sections of Carling Ave that connect equity priority neighbourhoods.

  Carried
• Moved by L. Johnson

  Submitted by Conseillére L. Johnson on behalf of T. Kavanagh 

  WHEREAS the Transportation Master Plan (TMP) Policy 6-6 Deliver Supportive Winter Maintenance and Asset Renewal & Policy states “Year-round maintenance of pedestrian facilities is a key factor in encouraging more walking in Ottawa”; and

  WHEREAS Policy 7-8 “Enable Winter Cycling” states “significant winter cycling mode shares can be achieved where safe, comfortable, cycling facilities are properly maintained and kept clear of ice and snow”; and

  WHEREAS Ottawa has seen a significant growth in winter cycling trips over the past 10 years; and

  WHEREAS the National Capital Commission (NCC) pathway network forms a critical part of the City of Ottawa’s active transportation network; and

  WHEREAS winter maintaining the NCC multi-use pathways supports Policy 6-6 and promotes active commuting all year long; and

  WHEREAS the TMP emphasizes the importance of active transportation connections to LRT stations and other key employment nodes, such as the Department of National Defence; and

  WHEREAS the NCC has previously given permission and provided funds to the City for winter clearing in areas of the City, for example, the Queen Elizabeth mutli-use pathway, the Col By multi-use pathway; and

  WHEREAS more recently the NCC committed to providing permission to winter maintain the connection on Regina Street to the new Lincoln Fields Station;

  THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED THAT the City Staff continue to work with the NCC and other stakeholders to improve and expand the Winter Cycling Network, where practical, including interprovincial crossings and in particular connections that facilitate access to rapid transit.

  Carried
• Moved by L. Johnson

  Submitted by Conseillére L. Johnson on behalf of T. Kavanagh 

  WHEREAS active transportation bridges provide comfortable and convenient connections for people walking, rolling, and biking; and

  WHEREAS active transportation bridges should not be considered add-on, but an important part of the active transportation network; and

  WHEREAS active transportation bridges help bring communities together, and offer residents connections to new neighbourhoods, LRT stations, and amenities; and

  WHEREAS Policy 5-3 “Encourage Sustainable Transportation Through Community Planning and Design” states Secondary Plans and Community Design Plans will identify off-road pathways in areas of new and major redevelopment; and

  WHEREAS Policy 5-3 also states Secondary Plan and Community Design Plans will identify “active transportation bridges that shorten trip distances”;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT per proposed project “O Train Crossing at Highway 417” in Document 3 “, staff undertake a feasibility study to provide a connection between the communities of Whitehaven and the Queensway Terrace North, and consider the possible re-use of the pedestrian bridge at the former Queensway Transitway Station for this purpose, in consultation with the MTO and the NCC as appropriate.

  Carried
• Moved by G. Darouze

  WHEREAS residents in villages such as, but not limited to Metcalfe, Greely, and Osgoode want to have the opportunity to have connections between their villages, but there are not a lot of cycling and active transportation opportunities available; and

  WHEREAS the ability for rural residents to travel between villages will reduce the impacts that isolation can have on mental health; and

  WHEREAS interconnectivity between villages allows for employment opportunities for those who are unable to commute by vehicle, including youth;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that Transportation Committee recommend Council direct staff to ensure that the Metcalfe Loop and the Greely Loop are included in future planning regarding the Transportation Master Plan as being part of the City cycling network; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that through the inclusion of these Loops in the cycling network, that staff evaluate other opportunities for loops and cycling networks in rural villages; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that staff identify opportunities to ensure connectivity between rural villages, in addition to the connectivity present within rural villages

  Carried

5.

Notices of Motions (For Consideration at Subsequent Meeting)

5.1

Sidewalk Design Guidelines

Submitted by Councillor S. Menard

• WHEREAS City staff are intending to conduct a review of the City’s sidewalk design guidelines;

  WHEREAS the draft Transportation Master Plan has identified a number of policies to enhance sustainable transportation and walkability, including:

  • Deliver Convenience, Comfort and Accessibility;
  • Create a Healthier and More Equitable Transportation System;
  • Maximize Walkability;
  • Provide Safe, Multimodal Streets; and
  • Encourage Sustainable Travel Choices;

  WHEREAS residents have expressed concerns about both the current “ramp”-style design that is standard for the city, as well as expressing concerns about the previous “drop”-style design; and

  WHEREAS there is general consensus that maintaining a level, flat sidewalk surface is the optimal design for the pedestrian experience;

  THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT City staff—in the upcoming review of sidewalk design guidelines—give consideration to the two current sidewalk designs (ramp- and drop-style), as well as giving consideration to an alternate design in which the full width of the sidewalk remains flat and level, with a mountable curb serving to provide driveway access; and

  BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED THAT in the interim until the staff review is completed and design guidelines are updated or confirmed by City Council, City staff increase the consultation with the local councillor on the possibility of implementing either ramp-style or drop-style sidewalks for current and upcoming road re-construction projects in their respective ward, assuming the preferred design meets current standards.

6.

Inquiries

6.1

TRC 2023-04 – Network Modification Program

Submitted by Councilor L. Johnson:

With regard to the Network Modification Program:

What is the budget for the program each year for the past five years?

How many projects did the program accomplish each year over the past 5 years?

Please provide a list of intersections modified under the program over the past 5 years; and the cost for each.

For projects completed over the last 5 years, what modifications were made for each?

How are projects prioritized in order to qualify for the program?

7.

Adjournment

Next Meeting

Thursday, 27 April 2023

The meeting adjourned at 3:06 pm.